YOUNG people in Dewsbury would benefit from a new form of National Service, a politician has said.

Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Dewsbury Kevin Hollinrake believes party leader David Cameron’s suggested National Citizen Service could help cut crime in the town.

The Tory leader said 16-year-olds should take part in a six-week programme, including charity work and physical training to boost their pride in themselves and their country.

Mr Hollinrake agrees. He said: “One of the central challenges of our time is to heal Britain’s broken society.

“Mirfield and Dewsbury are witnessing a spiralling number of incidents of crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour, principally from disaffected young people.

“After the Second World War, National Service helped prepare young people for adult life.

“We need to recapture the benefits of that time and to re-establish the values of personal growth and service to others through a new National Citizen Service for the 21st century.

“If children believe in nothing they will fall for anything.

“We will involve them in projects that they can be proud of and give them something to believe in.”

Mr Cameron suggested setting up the scheme earlier this month with a cash sum on completion of their service.